Member Reviews

This book had an intriguing premise, and I enjoyed the witchy elements, but some aspects felt a bit over-the-top. While I understand this is a book about witches, the magic was stretched a little too far at times. Magic can only do so much before it feels unrealistic, and that made it harder to fully engage with the story. The characters and their dynamics were fun, but the fantastical elements didn’t always feel feasible. Still an enjoyable read, just with a few moments that took me out of the story.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a cozy, quick read with a lot of spice. It would be a perfect read for someone during autumn or Halloween time. I usually don't mind insta-love in romances but this one was crazy fast. I felt like we didn't get much story at all besides their love.

Was this review helpful?

BEST HEX EVER was a delightfully spicy outing. I admired El-Fassi's storytelling, especially her achievements in creating believable obstacles for her lovers. And the general atmosphere and supporting cast were a delight.

Was this review helpful?

I appreciated the unique concept of the book and I found the hex story intriguing. I wasn’t a huge fan of the insta love and I thought the development of the love story could have been expanded. The friendship between all the women pulled me in and I liked the wedding scenes.

Was this review helpful?

I am here for a witchy bakery that adds a little extra flavor into her baked goods. This was honestly such a fun and cozy read. Afraid of falling in love Dina never expected for Scott to walk into her life. From the get go these two have great chemistry and the spice is spicing in this one. Such a perfect cozy book for a fall night.

Was this review helpful?

Best Hex Ever is the ultimate cozy, magical romance — full of witchy vibes, delicious pastries, and an absolutely smitten love interest. The story follows Dina, a witch with a seriously inconvenient hex: anyone she falls for is at risk of getting hurt in some serious near-death experience kind of way. Understandably, she’s built some serious walls around her heart. Enter Scott, a sweet, devoted, down-bad museum curator who just might change Dina’s luck with love!

From the very beginning, I was hooked by the warm, immersive writing style. The author’s descriptions are so vivid and it left me seriously craving one of Dina’s magical pastries! The autumnal, witchy atmosphere added to the coziness, which makes me think this deserves a proper seasonal re-read.

Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show: Scott. He was so kind, loving, and ready to take on the universe for Dina, even with the looming threat of her hex. Their chemistry? Absolutely electric. Yes, their relationship is fueled by lust, but who doesn’t like a little spice in their life?! Beyond the romance, Dina’s self-love journey really hit me in the feels. Her bond with her friends, Rosemary and Immy, was so supportive and heartfelt. I loved their friendship shenanigans. Her parents were adorable too which added another layer of warmth to the story. I especially loves Dina’s mom!

Overall, Best Hex Ever was such a fun read with a swoon-worthy romance, all the cozy aesthetics, and a cast of lovable, witchy characters. I’m hoping that the author will return to this world at some point in the future as I would be curious to learn more about some of the other possible witchy powers or for her to touch more on some of the possibilities of darker magic within this world. Only time will tell!

Was this review helpful?

Dina owns her own pastry shop where she infuses her treats with a little magical oomph. Scott is a museum curator and gives the dark broody academia vibes.

A wedding for mutual friends - hilarity, steam, and cozy vibes ensues in this cozy read.

Was this review helpful?

The premise and blurb on this book were so promising! I usually love myself a paranormal romance with a love hex thrown in, but this story just didn't hit for me. There were some great inclusive things that I absolutely loved, but the female MC was just constantly getting in her own way.

Let's get to the positives first: there were some great inclusive moments within the book. Lots of diversity and self-love, and acceptance. The basis for the plot is amazing and the writing style is great. This is a very cute paranormal romance with a bit of spice. I was actually a little surprised how it went from cutesy to sexy, but I will never complain about that! Scott is a total cinnaroll character and his growth throughout the book was great to see.

Now to the negatives: 1) the timeline and 2) the "just talk about it already". First of all, we are led to believe that this is a love at first sight kind of romance, which just is so unrealistic and, in my opinion, not romantic at all This entire book happens in the span of maybe a month? It is kind of ridiculous. Secondly, the big drama is that she has a hex on her that anyone she is romantically and emotionally involved with will be hexed into lots of dangerous mishaps, which is actually the basis for a really good story, but the part that I struggled with was that it all could have been avoided if the female MC had just TALKED ABOUT IT! This is a personal pet peeve of mine in real life as well as in noves. There was zero reason that the MC self-sabotages because she is just too embarrassed to talk about the hex to anyone.

Now most of my negatives are probably a personal preference, so if they do not bother you then I think this would be a good book for you. Sadly, this just did not work for me. The writing and basis were good enough that I would read another book by this author, but not this one.

Was this review helpful?

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Was this review helpful?

Give me all the witchy magical reads thank you very much! Make it a cozy & spicy romance set during the fall leading up to Halloween and I'm all in! This was such a fun read and I'm looking forward to
more from this author!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this cozy romance!
Dina is a kitchen witch who owns a coffee shop. She has a fat cat familiar. It takes place just days before Halloween. The MMC is a hunk of a man that’s also a museum curator…he’s like a cinnamon roll version of Dr. Henry Jones Jr. (swoon).
I loved all the cozy descriptions of Dina’s spells and the foods/drinks she makes and sells throughout the book. It’s a very atmospheric read.
It’s got spicy scenes. It’s got LGBTQIA+ representation, it has BIPOC representation, a curvy FMC. It’s just a really refreshing palate cleanser, cute AF, cozy romance. Perfect for a fall read (but honestly enjoyed anytime)!

The ending and the third act breakup were a little lame imo. The ending wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t as great as the rest of the book, the vibes were off for me. Still loved it and would recommend this book to romance lovers and romantasy lovers or cozy fantasy lovers looking for a quick, spicy palate cleanser.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this eARC!
This book is out now!

Was this review helpful?

Dina is scared to fall in love because every time she tries something new the person gets hurt. She never imagened that the handsome man named Scott that showed up at her bakery, was going to change that. Despite trying to about any relationship with him they both end falling in love.
Destiny had something different prepared for them!
I loved this Spooky and cozy read. Super recommended for the fans of romance it’s packed with humor and a great plot.

Was this review helpful?

What an unexpected read - I didn't realize it would be that spicy. I enjoyed the characters, though I felt that the timeline should have been lengthened - the fact that they were in love a day after they met was kind of ridiculous. Nonetheless, I appreciated the Moroccan representation and the self-reflective moments.

Was this review helpful?

This was an incredibly good read! The story was beautifully written and the characters were flushed out really well! Definitely worth the read!

Was this review helpful?

After a lifetime of heartbreak Dina believes she has a hex on her.
When her best friend gets married she has a lot of chemistry with the best man. But can their love make it through the hex

Was this review helpful?

A delightful and enchanting romance that combines magic and love. The writing is charming and witty and is just the right formula of humor and heart. I loved the magical elements of the story.
Many thanks to Random House and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks @dellromance l for the eARC of Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi and I’m so sorry I’m super late posting a review on social media! I’ll bring you some Canadian candies next time I’m in NYC to beg forgiveness. 🍬🍫

Okay, first off, I’m a sucker for a witchy romance. I love them. They delight me to no end, which is why I picked three other witchy romances to recommend if you are looking for something with similar vibes

Deja Brew by Celestine Martin
The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling
Perfectly Wicked by Lindsay Lovise

In Best Hex Ever, Dina, the witchy FMC, is a kitchen witch who can incorporate her magic into the food she creates. Scott, the MMC, is a museum curator who visits Dina’s London cafe and is immediately attracted to her, as she is to him. But. Dina has horrible luck with love because of a hex that prevents her from having a healthy, loving romance with someone.

Meanwhile, Scott is readjusting to living back in the UK after traveling the world for awhile following an awful breakup. His confidence was shaken by the breakup but he’s determined to see if he can make it work with Dina.

The two end up spending a lot of time together as they visit Dina’s hometown, where her best friend and Scott’s best friend are getting married. They end up sharing a small cottage together which means a lot of opportunity to get to know each other in many different ways…. Hehehehe. Dina also opens up to Scott about her magical abilities and the hex.

I really enjoyed the journey that Dina goes on to learn to trust herself again as she explores how to lift the hex so that she can move forward with Scott in a healthy relationship. Part of this journey includes her parents, and trusting them more with parts of herself she previously hid. Dina needs to find ways to be secure and proud of her magical abilities, to find her confidence, and to forgive herself for past mistakes.

I believe this is the author’s debut book, and I’ll definitely be excited to read more from her in the future!

Was this review helpful?

A very sweet romance with a clutch guy and witchy baker. She is worried about a hex that keeps ruining her love life and she is determined to keep her new beau safe but doesn’t know if she can do it.
3.5 stars

Was this review helpful?

Special thanks to the author & @dellromance for my gifted copy‼️

This was really mid in my opinion and the title should’ve been called Best Sex Ever because every other chapter they were hunching. Which nothing is wrong with that but damn where is the real plot where is the MAGIC!!! I feel like when authors choose magical themes etc they need to do a little research first or go watch a couple movies for inspiration. This didn’t give magic like I wanted the romance and cozy feels were there but it lacked a lot on the magical elements. Which is what I was looking for.

It kinda gave a practical magic vibe with the whole curse Dina was under and bad things happening to the people she fell in love with. But I guess because she’s a kitchen witch I shouldn’t have expected more than what the author gave. There was an instant connection between Dina and Scott after their first encounter and multiple instances of them running into each other. But I didn’t feel any real chemistry between them it was more of a sexual attraction that turned into feelings. Overall this was okay if you enjoy witchy themed books or the forced proximity trope you’ll enjoy reading this one.

Was this review helpful?

This was fun to read. It was cozy and witchy and I liked it. I enjoyed and loved the characters connection.

Was this review helpful?